MISSION STONE & TILE   BLOG

A step-by-step guide to installing backsplash tile

Sometimes you just want to do something for yourself, right? You want to be able to show your house or dinner guests your aptitude for craftsman oriented pursuits. Backsplash tiling is a good do-it-yourself project that most people with any kind of aptitude with tools can handle. Not only is backsplash tiling protective by its very nature, it’s also very striking to behold in its own right.

You can view our full line of backsplash tiling at:
http://www.missionstonetile.com/collection/backsplash-tile

First things first, you’re going to need a few tools and materials…
• Tile cutter
• Notched trowel
• Rubber grout float
• Tile saw / clippers
• Protective eyewear
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Rubber gloves
• mastic tile adhesive (of the waterproof variety)
• Waterproof grout
• Glazed wall tiles
• Plastic washers (from sizes 1-1/4″ to 1-5/8″)

Before you actually begin installation you should check a few things in the immediate environment. For instance, the wall(s) should be very dry and obviously sturdy enough to sustain the weight of the tile itself. A typical backsplash extends at least 4 inches from the top of the counter itself; you should do some thorough research on the net to determine the exact placement and style that you are looking for.
The next thing that you’re going to need to do is figure out just how much tile you’re going to need. A simple way to estimate the square footage required is to multiply length x width; so measure the proposed length and width of your backsplash area and multiply them. If you find it difficult to determine how much tile you require, simply contact one of our friendly staff.
NOTE: MAKE SURE TO DISCONNECT THE POWER TO THE AREA WHERE YOU ARE WORKING JUST IN CASE, AND DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN AND DRY THE AREA WHERE THE BACKSPLASH IS GOING TO SIT.

If any surrounding areas are tiled, you are going to want to try to line up the grout lines from the backsplash to match them. Work from the very center of the backsplash area outward in both directions.
Begin by applying an adhesive with the notched trowel, and apply a thin and even layer to a small area so that your adhesive doesn’t harden on you prematurely. Place the first tile as close to the center of the area as possible. Make sure to use a level to ensure that the tile is placed correctly; you’re going to need to place spacers on every corner of the first tile.
Continue outward in both directions, making sure that all tiles are even with each other and level. The spacers will keep the distances accurate; remember to clean up any excess adhesive that spills out. Score the tiles that need to be cut with a tile cutter; measure twice, and cut once. Once you’ve attached the tile with the adhesive, give it a nice wipe down with a warm wet cloth and use a chopstick to clean any excess adhesive from between the cracks of the tiling. Allow the adhesive to set according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and then remove the spacers.
After the adhesive has had time to bond, it’s time to do the grout work. Put on your safety glasses and gloves and mix the grout. Using the grout float apply the grout across the tiles at an angle while trying to pack the cracks as much as possible. You can remove the excess grout once it starts to harden up a little. Next, you should shape the grout joints with a stick with a rounded end by running it along the cracks and tracks. You should clean off the tiling once again once this process is finished. Once the grout dries you will see a haze forming over the tile, clean them off with a clean towel.

Congratulations, you have just installed your first backsplash!